Adventure Destination: Miami, Florida

About Miami, Florida.

If there’s one place in the continental United States that comes close to being a literal paradise, it’s Miami. Crystal clear water, beautiful beaches, millionaire mansions lining the coast, insatiable Latin influence -- you get it all. To visit Miami is to step inside a tropical bubble that’s rich in culture where everything is beautiful. Heck, even the people are beautiful.

Tourists come everywhere in the world for a taste of the States’ fun-in-the-sun hot spot. In fact, the rest of the world has taken quite the shine to Miami resulting in a second-to-NYC ranking as a major tourism hub.

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Background and History of Miami, Florida

Miami is the cultural, economic and financial epicenter in South Florida. Covering an area of roughly 56 square miles, it’s easy to see why its importance is so influential in not just Florida, but the country as well. It’s home to 6 million people and boasts the third tallest skyline in the U.S. with over 300 high-rises.

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History wise, Miami has a lot of it. The area was originally occupied by the Tequesta Native American uninterrupted for close to 2,000 years before the Europeans came ashore. In 1566, admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Florida’s first governor, claimed Miami was owned by Spain. Spain and Britain both ruled Florida until Spain ceded it to the United States in 1821. Curious about the heavy Cuban presence? After Fidel Castro gained power following the Revolution in 1959, many affluent Cuban families relocated to Miami. Since then, the Latin-American influence has blossomed making Miami the second-largest U.S. city with a Spanish-speaking majority.

Attractions in Miami

Ocean Drive
South Pointe Dr. | Miami
It’s the most iconic stretch of road in Miami full of colorful lights, art deco, fancy cars, and palm trees as far as the eye can see.

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Editorial Credit: Sean Pavone | Shutterstock

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Miami Beach
Miami Beach | Miami
This city is connected by bridges to Mainland Miami and boasts one of the most popular stretches of beaches in the world, South Beach.

Villa Vizcaya
1549 El Prado | San Diego
The estate and gardens are a National Historic Landmark that features a sprawling Italian Garden that is a healthy refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Everglades National Park
40001 State Rd. | Homestead
Located 30 miles west of South Beach, visitors can get an intimate look at the Everglades and its wildlife while riding airboats.

Calle Ocho
1442 SW 8th St. | Miami
It’s the most storied neighborhood in Miami that’s home to countless Cuban restaurants, coffee shops, live music venues, cigar shops, and its own Latin Walk of Fame.

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Editorial Credit: Fotoluminate LLC | Shutterstock

For more attractions in Miami, click here!

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Fun Facts About Miami

• Miami is the only major city in the U.S. that was founded by a woman -- Julia Tuttle.
• The city sees over 14 million tourists per year.
• The art deco nightclub district on South Beach is one of the best in the world.
• The area is home to the world’s largest collection of art deco architecture.
• Fly south during the winter -- Miami is the warmest location in the country this time of year.
• It’s the only city in the USA bordered by two national parks.
• Burger King opened its first location in Miami.
• You’d never guess it, but the sand on Miami Beach is imported.
• The Port of Miami is the cruise capital of the world.
• Infamous gangster Al Capone owned a home on the area’s Palm Island.

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Editorial Credit: May_Lana | Shutterstock

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